The European Commissioner for Energy urges EU governments to reduce demand, amid gas stocks 12% below last year’s level

European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen has called on European Union governments to continue measures to reduce gas and electricity consumption, amid “exceptionally low” storage levels and the risk of further price increases.

According to a letter seen by Euronews, EU gas storage facilities are approximately 70% full, around 12 percentage points below the level recorded during the same period last year. The situation is being aggravated by tensions in the Middle East and competition from Asia for liquefied natural gas shipments.

The TTF benchmark price stands at approximately €72 per MWh, €40 above the level recorded before the US and Israeli bombings of Iran on 28 February. Analysts warn that prices could exceed €100 per MWh during the peak winter period.

Jørgensen recommends reducing consumption during peak hours, limiting temperatures in public buildings and switching off unnecessary lighting. The measures are expected to be voluntary, although national emergency plans include tougher options, such as terminating certain contracts and switching power plants to other fuels. The Commissioner also supports an 80% storage-filling target, instead of 90%, to avoid accelerated and costly gas purchases.